WWE is undeniably the greatest wrestling promotion of all time. The entertainment conglomerate was established in 1953, but it wasn't until Vince McMahon bought the business from his father in the 1980s that it gained widespread recognition. Now it's available in more than a billion homes worldwide in over 30 languages, with McMahon heavily credited with the company's growth and expansion.
McMahon's tenure as WWE's owner, though, appears to be coming to an end following recent rumors of the company's prospective sale to Saudi Arabia. The Rock was asked to comment on the shocking revelation that has shaken the wrestling industry during an appearance on CNBC's Squawk on the Street.
This is what The People's Champ had to say about the matter:
Well, I can tell you this, I can tell you that it’s an exciting brand. It’s a brand that I’ve been very fortunate enough to have tremendous success [in] over the decades. And also, for your viewers here in the business world who may not know, the lineage goes way back, multi-generational with the WWE.
My grandfather wrestled for Vince McMahon Sr. in the 70s. My dad wrestled for Vince McMahon in the 80s. And then I came along with my bad haircut and fanny pack and I continued to wrestle for Vince too as well. So we’ve seen tremendous success over the years. I think it’s a very attractive company. And I’m excited and I wish Vince and that company all the best.
What’s next for WWE? @TheRock weighs in: “It’s an exciting brand.” https://t.co/Cw1Idr5VL3 pic.twitter.com/3QzxiMO46t
— CNBC (@CNBC) January 17, 2023
Given that his daughter also secured a contract with WWE last year, it's clear that The Rock's family has gotten a lot out of the company. The first fourth-generation WWE wrestler, Simone, will compete under the ring name Ava Raine.
Due to claims of sexual misconduct and hush-money agreements, Vince McMahon has been the subject of controversy for the past few years, which led to his removal from the company. But it appears that his return to WWE this year is merely a prerequisite for the sale of the business. When asked his opinion on the matter, The Rock replied:
I would [agree] and that’s a great note. I think with the world of professional wrestling and the world of WWE, it’s so unique. The fan base is very large and very passionate and there’s nothing like the WWE. So I think with the new owners, if there are new owners, and acquirers who are gonna come in, I think that they have to share that same passion that Vince has for the company and for the world of pro wrestling, which isn’t always easy to do.
As you guys know, with a company like this, it’s been so incredibly successful over the years, a sale and acquisition could be very complicated, but there’s that unique added anchor to this I believe that Vince feels where you gotta find the right buyer who still has that passion and the love for this very unique world.
Netflix is still pushing forward with the Vince McMahon documentary, which will show how the troubled business mogul turned WWE into a global entertainment company. But, don't expect it to be a scathing indictment of the progenitor of the billionaire walk.
